What I Wore - National Finals Rodeo

Last week I was in Las Vegas for a work conference and the National Finals Rodeo was also going on, which is the Super Bowl for me! I love the NFR, it's a small arena, close on the action, so many fun parties around town and the fashion is amazing! NFR is a fun event to dress up for!  Here's what I wore, and likely these will all make repeats during Rodeo Houston, even if they are out of the norm for HLSR! ;)

Thursday night...denim tunic with sequin skirt peeking out, knee high suede books and layered necklaces.  I picked up this skirt in Round Top a couple of years ago from LaVida Loca Boutique (IG: thelavidalocaboutique) which is one of my favorite traveling stores (they were also at NFR and for locals and will be at Rodeo Houston & attend Nutcracker Market). The white bone cross is from there too. It is actually on a long chain and I looped it to be shorter, so can go either way.  The boots are Dolce Vita and were a TJ Maxx find!

Friday night attended the rodeo with a friend and a party after. This was my favorite of the weekend!  The (p)leather leggings are from Francesa's, black tunic is the best ever - Lush from Nordstrom, fur jacket is several seasons old, but they are everywhere lately and booties are also a few seasons old. White squash blossom necklace is from Catillac Style. Squash's were EVERYWHERE in the Vegas Cowboy Christmas shopping! Wish I had a full length shot of this outfit, should have taken a pic during the night!  #lessonslearned

Saturday night was back to the rodeo. This might be the perfect black dress, picked up for $34 during Nordy's Anniversary Sale in the summer. It is 3/4 sleeve and boat neck, can be worn with wedges, heels, strappy dressy shoes AND boots!  I got this necklace from Accessorize in Style (IG: accessorize_instyle), they are friends I made working on the road. Crystal has great items in her shop, I always find several things I love and she is at all the stock shows and lots of Junior League holiday markets! Look them up!

Before I left, I added a fur vest, since it was a little chilly and this was perfect for being inside and outside that night. Fashion Posse (IG: fashion_posse) is a great account to follow for fun rodeo fashion inspiration and they snapped this pic Saturday night in  the MGM Gold Buckle Zone party.  Thank you for snapping and featuring my outfit and thank you friends for all of your sweet compliments!

Such a fun trip and I'm bummed to not be going back for finals weekend where World Champions are crowned!!  Maybe I should just hop a plane back!  But, if not Rodeo Houston is less than 100 days away! 

Blessings, 

Space: Pumpkins and Blessings

Before it is the end of Thanksgiving weekend and officially into the Christmas holidays, here's a little bit of fall decor I've had up this year.  I started in October with pumpkins and a couple of Halloween themed decorations, that I swapped for Thanksgiving.

(Of course, I meant to post this MUCH earlier, but better late than never!)

In addition to putting out the pumpkins, I re-did the tray on my dining room table. This spot has all of my pens, a few study books and my journaling Bible. Since I've moved and not had the kitchen bar (click here) I used before I have struggled with a "spot" in my house for my morning reading and studying and honestly that is an excuse, but I function best with a designated space. So, I took the decor off the table, pushed the tray to the end and filled it with what I need for that to be my space.  Here's a close up...

And, here's what it looks like in my dining area....

I got this cute "oh HAPPY day" sign for my birthday, and hung it in a little spot under the cabinets in my kitchen. I also got this sea salt caramel candle, which is a perfect fall scent.  The pewter pumpkin stands up perfectly for a little fall in my kitchen, but isn't just a decoration, it doubles as a serving piece.

On my bar I put a couple of pumpkins and Halloween decor too. There's a story behind these pumpkins, I loved them for a long time from a cute boutique, however the both of them were about $50 combined which is outrageous.  BUT, good things come to those who wait and wait I did...until they were WAY marked off and I think I got both for under $10! In fact, I picked up those two little Halloween signs too because they were also on the sale.  #bargainshopperalways

And, here's the same space switched for Thanksgiving with "give thanks" sign and a little pumpkin pie sign. My all time favorite pie!

That's it for fall around here; the pumpkins are put away and Christmas decorations are out! I love the evenings with the glow of the Christmas tree! I even put one on my patio this year!  Coming soon! 

Beyond the pumpkins and fall fun, I am thankful for this little slice of the City I call home, a place I love; family I treasure; friends who are a gift and the blessings of my job and organizations I volunteer with.  This year hasn't been without a few major bumps in the road, but Jesus has been near in each one and for that I am most thankful.  

Blessings to you! 

What I'm Wearing ~ A few days of cooler weather

Hi!

It's been a while for a What I'm Wearing post, so here's an update lately and as I'm looking through these few pics, definitey have added in the "hot" fall color of maroon, or wine, or whatever your fancy is to call this year's "it color". This is really by happenstance, not intention, though maroon is a good color for me to wear, so since it's readily available this year, I'm snatched up a few things!

I posted this top on Instagram...sometimes you don't make the bed, so the pillows block the full length, but this is a fun new Target score, perfect with jeans or work pants. It comes in 2 colors and since Target website is crazy to find things, I did locate this one: click here to see it for yourself. As a word of caution, it's junior sizing, and I'm wearing a large. I realized I have 1 long sleeve top for work that is not a button-up, so was looking for a few things that I could add to my work wear and am happy with this addition. 

This is a tried and true dress and vest, perfect for an outdoor dinner party on the eve of the super moon! Just enough chill in the air for light flannel and faux-fur! Both pieces are a couple of years old, but classics that still work. 

This is an old navy dress, you might have seen it last year. I waited a whole year for it to come back because was sold out in my size, which is a Tall. Hooray for the repeats of Old Navy! I have already worn this dress about 3 or 4 times. Also, Auggie doesn't care much about this pics, but prefers me to just play fetch. The maroon bag is a few years old as well, but good fall color addition for black and white. 

And, here's proof this has been worn multiple times. Same boots and everything, just added tights for a cooler day. Worth every bit of $18 I paid for it.  Tip: never pay full price at Old Navy, Gap or Banana, it will always go go on sale. Click here for link to this dress. 

Last week was a dreary day, and I realized I matched the sky with various shades of gray and a little tiny bit of blush pink. Monochromatic is one of my long time favs of fashion, and mixing grays in winter is definitely a favorite. Scarf is an old one from Nordstrom (used to come in tons of colors and a buy 2, get a deal special), pants are years and years old Gap (like 2009 old), t is blush boyfriend T from old navy over summer. They have those same T's now in long sleeves. 

Here is another Old Navy dress (click here) that looks like limited sizes are left in. Trick for ordering, a lot of their dresses run on the short side, so a Tall might give you the length you like. I'm 5'9" and you can see this is still a few inches above my knee.  Ever since I saw this dress with the tights I was awaiting a day cool enough to wear tights. :) Auggie would still like to play fetch vs. await a photo. 

These maroon leggings were a great find at Francesca's on a Buy one Get one 1/2 Off Sale and on clearance rack! So, for $30, I got 2 pairs - this one and faux leather! #bargainlover  I picked up this tunic last year from a boutique and of course leopard is a neural, so added leopard heels to mix it up a little bit.

I didn't get my full self, but this pic was heading out the door for a conference with my Mama. Hooray for flare jeans (that I've worn constantly even when not "in style"). This is another long sleeve top I picked up on a whim in Old Navy and have also worn for work with gray slacks. 

These two booties have been on heavy rotation, black ones are pictured with the black and white dress above. Both are Merona from Target and both are, seriously, all day comfortable. Click here for black booties and click here for cognac. 

Allegedly we are going to have a real cold front this weekend, so I'm eagerly awaiting more sweater weather. I've only worn a scarf + cardigan one time (pictured above) and that is NOT like me in the fall! It's just been too warm! 

Have a great rest of your week! As always, keep up on Facebook and Instagram! 

Monday Musings ~ Election Eve

...a few thoughts, a little scattered...

It is no doubt American adults will go to bed tonight with great anticipation of what tomorrow's "Super Tuesday" will hold. The rest of the world also taking an anxious seat awaiting election results. I don't know that there has been a nastier campaign in history, but I do know that tomorrow history will be made. 

A new President will be elected. 

The 45th President of the United States. 

Barring any political opinion, we've seen and heard enough of those, I wanted to write down a few thoughts to have to look back on for my own sake about this election. 

Yesterday in church, we had a guest teacher who spoke very wise words that have stuck with me throughout the day and today.  They apply not only to this election, but to so many divisive issues. He said this... 

If we can't overcome differences with others, 

then the affiliation (the difference) we proclaim is greater than our affiliation with Christ. 

Because the vote 

(on this election and every other divisive opinion we have) 

is NOT the vehicle for restoration and reformation. 

Jesus is. 

Despite how seemingly corrupt the opposing candidate is to your choice, at the end of the day, every person on this earth (you and me included) is a sinner. None of us worthy of the first ounce of grace. 

But, Jesus. 

A redeemer for every one of us. 

The only hope we have in restoration. 

The only hope we have in reformation. 

So come what may tomorrow. 

Cast your vote. 

Love the people around you. 

Say your prayers. 

Let your dearest affiliation speak the loudest. 

Which may require no words at all. 

Sometimes you can't see the beginning. 

Sometimes you can't see the end.

But what you can see, the promise, will always remain. 

No filter because truth needs no filter. 

And, sometimes life has clouds, gray skies, rainbows and blue skies.

He who promised IS faithful. 

Friday Favorites ~ a little of this & that

Happy Friday!!

It's been a while for Friday Favorites and here's a few favorites I've collected lately...

I attended the Abundance Women's event in Dallas with my Mom. We got VIP seats which included a meet and greet with Lisa Harper who is one of my favorite speakers and teachers. I really wanted a pic with her, but there wasn't really an opportunity. My Mom said to just go stand close and she would snap a picture, so I did, but she is so gracious and turned around for this fun pic. More about Lisa is posted here.

October was quite the month of writing, all about being S I N G L E and if you've not read the posts or care to, you can {click here} for a summary of the month and click on any date for a link to the day's posts.  This was an exhausting month of writing, but one that was also so good.  I saw this mug pic in the midst of writing and it gave me a good laugh.  Maybe you don't have a spouse or significant other who would appreciate this, but a great bestie date is sometimes catching up in the aisles of Target too! If you know a man who meets my requirements and loves Target, I'm all the heart eyes right here!! :)

Speaking of besties, one of my besties and I threw a little birthday lunch for another bestie who has an October birthday and loves Halloween! It was at one of my favorites, Torchy Tacos, and we had a super fun festive table. Favorite moment of the day was an older lady leaving with her husband who stopped at our table to ask what we were celebrating, which we told her. She had recently celebrated her 75 birthday there - how fun is that!?  

This week started with a bang, a migraine or stomach bug or both, and had me pretty much like this all day long Tuesday after all night long up and down yaking.  Ugh.  More importantly, I got a bee in my bonnet this year that I wanted holiday/winter/Christmas bedding, and here's a sneak peek of the new bedding I found at Marshall's!  Hooray!! It is so cute! I need one pillow, but ties in with my current decor and sheets and Auggie loves it too! Full reveal coming soon!

Speaking of Auggie he was featured last week on a super fun Instagram account we follow, DoodleTales. If you're over all the "heavy" in your newsfeeds, follow them for some happy!  You can follow Auggie's adventures by {clicking here}.

Somewhere over the rainbow and through the woods some cooler weather is going to HAVE to show up. Meanwhile, these things were hanging on my closet door together and I realized, hey - that will make a cute outfit, when I can ever wear a little vest! Right now, it's still shorts weather in Texas! But, I'm keeping the faith!  Flare jeans, vest, leather bag...fall trifecta!

I've started using Plexus products recently (Vitamins and supplements for good gut health - am learning so much about how much is tied to your gut!! Like, it's your body's second brain!?) But, I also got this body cream and have started using it on my face.  Few ingredients:  charcoal (helps get toxins out of pores), aloe (protective, replenish moisture), vitamin E (antioxidant, reduce lines and wrinkles), evening primrose oil and lavender  (healing skin issues and great smell). I'm picky about night creams, I like them to have a pump and also don't like overly greasy formulas, so I'm loving my Plexus as a night cream!  #nofilter

Have a great weekend and click over to Erika, Narci and Andrea for more Friday Favs!  As always stay connected with me via Facebook and Instagram! 

#write31days | October 31st

As I wrap up this series on S I N G L E a few final thoughts, and maybe I will continue to write periodically about this topic as there are other areas I didn't address, for example online dating. Which in case you're wondering I don't online date. But that is another topic.

Perhaps you find yourself single and thinking this wasn't my plan upon graduation and looking at my life 5 or 10 years, or heck 20, years from that date. So, if it isn't what you planned, that doesn't mean it isn't good.  My life, the people in it, dating, my job, activities I participate in, seasons of ups and downs have all made me who I am.  They have also refined the qualifications and lists of traits I thought necessary in a mate years ago vs now.

Beth Moore has been an influential Bible study teacher in my life, I have completed several of her studies in small groups and had the opportunity to attend her Tuesday night Bible studies as well throughout the years. One particular time I remember her talking about her husband and their relationship. Something she said really stuck with me; how there was certainly a part of her who wished he was one to get up and read his Bible in the morning and tell her about it, that was not how he lived out his faith. He is a rugged, outdoorsman, hunts, fishes and sees God in all of those avenues. BUT, he does read the Bible, it just doesn't look like what she thought it might and he LIVES OUT his faith every day through his actions and how he loves her and their family.

I have always held onto this story, to remind myself that someone may not always be as they seem, do the exact things you expect them to, nor as you wish, but that doesn't mean they don't have the potential to love Jesus and love you well.

If we are teachable, the ones who disappoint us and don't work out, even if they had great potential, always teach us a lesson about ourselves  and about what we need and want in life. Dating is a fine balance of holding tight to your beliefs and convictions, being vulnerable to allow someone to know you (and you to know them) and learning to let go when it is time; believing you will be healed and move forward for the next time.

I will leave this series with this final quote from Brene Brown, out of all experiences of dating and learning vulnerability to learn to live with joy for the great moments,  gratitude for the things you've learned and grace for the ones who might have hurt you.

Isaiah 26:3 

“You will keep in [a]perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both [b]inclination and character],

Because (s)he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].

Blessings to you in your S I N G L E life and your dating or marriage if you are not S I N G L E. Thank you for reading, for encouraging for commenting and for sharing through this month. 

For a complete list of the #write31days series, {click here}.

#write31days | October 30th

It is Sunday and so that means talking S I N G L E + church today.  In case you missed the previous posts, {click here for Oct 9th} and {click here for Oct 16} and {click here for Oct 23}.

God created Adam. 

God created Eve. 

God commanded to go forth and multiply. 

So, God created sex. 

Sex was created for one woman and one man. 

Bound together in marriage. 

Sex was designed to be good. 

If you are S I N G L E, or dating, or engaged and you believe the Bible you should not be having sex. It will not save your relationship and will only harm it by giving you a temporary pleasure; where so many other parts of your  relationship that are key to discerning if this is a good relationship and one worth pursuing towards marriage are masked by the physical "connection".

Adam and Eve were given minds to choose. 

The very first sin was recorded and we as a result are all sinful. 

God loves us more than our sin. 

He sent his Son for our sins. 

He forgives all of our sins. 

You and I are given minds to choose. But, you and I are loved beyond our choices by God who is a good good Father. He sees and knows our hearts.  He sees and knows our hurts. He sees and knows our shame. He sees and knows our disappointments. He sees and knows __________________.  Yes, all of it.

His grace covers sins. 

With our repentance of an honest heart. 

Who desires to live a life that is honoring. 

Of God. 

Of our bodies. 

Of our future mates. 

If you are S I N G L E you need to establish physical boundaries in dating BEFORE you are dating anyone. Those boundaries can be discussed with your significant other, but they are not boundaries for them to change. They are YOURS. If they don't respect your boundaries (this is for guys and girls) walk away.  

Sex has never saved a relationship. 

It has only torn them a part. 

Sex is one of the highest income earning industries in the US. It is exploited, cheapened and commercialized. None of which were what sex was created for.  Sex is touted as "free" and "expression of yourself". None of which are true.  Sex by design is to be a giving of one's self to another, who is bound by a covenant of marriage. There is no gray in Biblical directive about sex. 

No one says waiting will be easy. 

But nothing worth waiting for is easy. 

You are never too late in God's eyes to change your actions. And, I challenge you, if you claim Christianity and believe the Bible to examine your physical boundaries and commitment to sex for only your spouse.  And, seek wisdom and wise counsel from those who share in your beliefs. Not in a magazine who claims to give you 10 ways to the best night of your life.  Or a person who tells you "I love you" and expects that you show your love in return through sex. 

The one for you is worth waiting for. 

And, the ONE who loves your more is waiting. 

A great resource and book on relationships and God's intentions is The Mingling of Souls, God's Design for Love, Marriage, Sex and Redemption by Matt Chandler.  Which is where this quote comes from (page 86).....

If you're just joining in from #write31days, I'm so glad you're here!

You can {click here} to read previous posts.